The Greatest "Fiction, Coming of age, High Fantasy" Books Since 2000

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Coming of age

The "Coming of age" category of books typically refers to stories that explore the transition from adolescence to adulthood. These books often focus on the challenges and experiences that young people face as they navigate the complexities of growing up, including issues such as identity, relationships, sexuality, and personal growth. Coming of age stories can be set in any time period or cultural context, and may feature protagonists of any gender, race, or background. Overall, the genre offers readers a glimpse into the universal struggles and triumphs of youth, and the process of becoming a fully realized adult.

High Fantasy

High Fantasy, as a literary genre, transports readers to entirely imagined worlds, distinct from our own, where magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests form the backbone of the narrative. These worlds often feature complex political systems, intricate lore, and a clear distinction between good and evil. Central to high fantasy are themes of heroism, adventure, and the struggle against formidable adversaries or forces. The genre is epitomized by works such as J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," where the detailed setting of Middle-earth, complete with its own languages, races, and history, sets the stage for a classic battle between the forces of light and darkness. High Fantasy offers an escape into worlds where the fantastical is the norm, inviting readers to explore realms where the limits are defined only by the breadth of the author's imagination.

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  1. 1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K Rowling

    In this fourth installment of a popular fantasy series, a young wizard finds himself unexpectedly entered into a dangerous tournament between rival schools of magic. He must compete in a series of challenging tasks, including a deadly dragon chase and a terrifying underwater rescue mission. Meanwhile, he's dealing with regular teen issues like crushes, jealousy, and school dances. But as he unravels the mystery behind his selection for the tournament, he uncovers a dark plot that puts his life in danger and hints at the return of a powerful dark wizard.

  2. 2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K Rowling

    In the fifth installment of this iconic series, the young wizard Harry Potter returns for his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, only to discover that much of the wizarding world, including the Ministry of Magic, is in denial about the teenager's recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort. Harry is also beset by disturbing dreams while the sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been stationed at Hogwarts to protect the school, and Harry's budding abilities as a wizard are put to the test. Meanwhile, a secret society, the Order of the Phoenix, is working to fight Voldemort and his followers, and Harry's role in the coming conflict is becoming ever more significant.

  3. 3. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K Rowling

    In the sixth installment of the series, the protagonist returns for his sixth year at a magical school, where he excels in potions class with the help of an old textbook once belonging to the mysterious "Half-Blood Prince". As he delves deeper into his enemy's past through private lessons with the headmaster, he learns more about the Dark wizard's history and his own destiny. Amidst this, the school is no longer the safe haven it once was, and danger lurks within the castle walls. The year ends with a devastating loss, setting the stage for the final showdown.

  4. 4. The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

    This fantasy novel follows the tale of a gifted young man who grows from a precocious child into a notorious wizard, known as the most notorious magician, musician, thief, and assassin. His life is one of hardship and danger, as he seeks knowledge and revenge following the tragic murder of his family by a group of supernatural beings. The story is told in retrospect as the protagonist recounts his past to a chronicler over the course of three days, revealing the truth behind the myths and legends that have come to surround his enigmatic persona.

  5. 5. Eragon by Christopher Paolini

    In a fantastical realm where dragons and their riders are the stuff of legends, a young farm boy stumbles upon a mysterious stone that hatches into a dragon, binding their fates together. Thrust into an ancient legacy of dragon riders, the boy and his dragon must navigate a perilous world of dark magic, tyrannical rulers, and hidden allies. As he learns to harness his newfound powers and the wisdom of the dragon, the boy embarks on an epic quest to overthrow a corrupt empire and fulfill his destiny as the last hope for freedom in his war-torn land.

  6. 6. Personality by Andrew O'Hagan

    "Personality" by Andrew O'Hagan is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and fame in the digital age. The book follows the story of a famous actress who decides to create a digital replica of herself to preserve her legacy. As the replica interacts with fans and becomes more popular, it raises questions about authenticity, privacy, and the blurred lines between reality and virtuality. With O'Hagan's sharp writing and insightful observations, "Personality" delves into the complexities of modern fame while challenging readers to reflect on the nature of self in an increasingly interconnected world.

  7. 7. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

    "The Poet X" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Xiomara, who uses poetry as an outlet to navigate her complex life. Set in Harlem, Xiomara grapples with her strict Dominican parents, her evolving understanding of her own identity, and her burgeoning relationship with a boy named Aman. Through her powerful and honest poetry, Xiomara finds her voice, confronts societal expectations, and discovers the strength to define herself on her own terms.

  8. 8. An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

    In a brutal, Rome-like fantasy world, a young Scholar girl named Laia goes on a dangerous mission to save her brother from the clutches of the oppressive Martial Empire. To do so, she infiltrates the Empire's premier military academy as a slave, where she meets Elias, one of the academy's finest soldiers, who is secretly as eager to escape the tyranny and corruption of the military as she is. Their fates become intertwined as they both seek freedom and justice, navigating a world rife with violence, betrayal, and dark magic. The story is a gripping tale of resistance, survival, and the quest for personal redemption.

  9. 9. The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

    In this humorous fantasy novel, a young witch named Tiffany Aching embarks on a quest to rescue her kidnapped brother, armed only with a frying pan and the assistance of the Nac Mac Feegle—a clan of rowdy, blue-skinned, six-inch-tall pictsies. As Tiffany ventures into the realm of Fairyland, she must rely on her wits, courage, and newfound magical abilities to navigate a world filled with dreams and nightmares, where nothing is as it seems. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about responsibility, the power of knowledge, and the importance of standing up for oneself and others.

  10. 10. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey

    In a world where political intrigue and divine destinies intertwine, a young woman born with a scarlet mote in her eye is marked by the gods for a unique destiny. Trained in the arts of love and espionage, she navigates the complex web of courtly life in a realm where sensuality and pain are intertwined. As a pawn and a player in the game of thrones, she uses her unique gifts to uncover secrets and protect her homeland, all while serving a mysterious patron whose motives are as enigmatic as the unfolding divine plan. Her journey is one of self-discovery, loyalty, and betrayal, set against a backdrop of opulence, ritual, and power struggles, where love can be both a weakness and a formidable weapon.

  11. 11. City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare

    In this urban fantasy novel, the third installment of a series, the protagonist, a young Shadowhunter, travels to the titular city, a place of great significance to the secretive world of demon hunters, warlocks, vampires, and other supernatural beings. She is on a quest to find a cure for her poisoned mother, but her mission quickly becomes entangled with a larger conflict as she uncovers dark secrets about her family's past and the true nature of the Shadowhunters. As the city becomes a battleground, alliances are tested, and the protagonist must confront a powerful enemy who threatens to destroy everything she holds dear, all while grappling with her evolving feelings for her enigmatic companion.

  12. 12. The Dragon Republic by R. F. Kuang

    In this dark and gripping fantasy sequel, the protagonist, a young warrior and shaman, grapples with the aftermath of a brutal war and her own harrowing actions. Betrayed by allies and seeking redemption, she aligns with a new military force with the hope of transforming the corrupt empire into the titular republic. As she navigates political intrigue, battles monstrous forces, and confronts her inner demons, she must also contend with the destructive power of the gods and the weight of her burgeoning abilities. The novel explores themes of power, identity, and the cost of revolution in a richly detailed, war-torn world.

  13. 13. The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

    In this fantasy novel, the protagonist continues his quest to uncover the truth about the mythical beings that killed his family. He also seeks to unravel the mystery behind the powerful yet elusive figure named the Chandrian. The story unfolds as he continues his education at a renowned magic school, takes a leave to serve a powerful noble, and trains with an elite group of warriors. His journey is filled with love, danger, and a deepening understanding of his own magical abilities. The novel ends with many questions still unanswered, setting the stage for the final book in the trilogy.

  14. 14. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

    The book is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves a tale of a young woman from a quiet village, chosen by a mysterious and powerful wizard to live with him in his tower, away from her home. As she learns about her own latent magical abilities and the malevolent force of the corrupted Wood that threatens her world, she must navigate a complex relationship with her enigmatic mentor and ally herself with the kingdom's prince to save her people. Drawing on Eastern European folklore, the story is a rich tapestry of magic, politics, and the struggle between tradition and change, ultimately exploring themes of identity, friendship, and the courage to fight for one's home.

  15. 15. House Of Sky And Breath by Sarah J. Maas

    In "House of Sky and Breath," readers are plunged into a fantastical world where a diverse cast of characters grapples with the aftermath of a revolutionary war. The narrative centers on a half-fae, half-human protagonist and her found family of rebels as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and forbidden romances. They must contend with oppressive regimes and unearthly powers, all while confronting their own personal demons and forging alliances with unlikely partners. The stakes are high as they fight for freedom and survival in a world teeming with danger, magic, and betrayal, where the boundary between life and death is as tenuous as the sky and breath.

  16. 16. The Magicians by Lev Grossman

    The book follows a young man with a deep-seated love for a series of fantasy novels, who discovers that the magical world he's always dreamed of is real when he is unexpectedly admitted to an elite college of magic. As he learns to navigate the complexities of spellcasting and the social dynamics of his fellow magicians-in-training, he struggles with the darker sides of this fantastical world and his own desires. The story is a coming-of-age tale that blends the wonders of magic with the painful journey into adulthood, exploring themes of disillusionment, desire, and the search for identity and meaning in a world where even the impossible can happen.

  17. 17. The Deadman’s Pedal by Alan Warner

    "The Deadman's Pedal" is a coming-of-age novel set in a small Scottish town in the 1970s. It follows the life of Simon Crimmons, a young trainee signalman who becomes infatuated with a local girl, Nikki, and finds himself caught up in the complexities of adult relationships and the harsh realities of working-class life. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find one's place in a changing world, painting a vivid picture of a community on the brink of transformation.

  18. 18. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

    "The Day You Begin" is a heartfelt picture book that explores the feelings of loneliness, fear, and the courage to be oneself. Through relatable stories and beautiful illustrations, the book encourages readers to embrace their unique identities, celebrate their differences, and find the strength to connect with others, even when it feels difficult. It is a powerful reminder that everyone has a story worth sharing and that true connection begins when we have the courage to step out and be ourselves.

  19. 19. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    "The Cruel Prince" is a dark and captivating fantasy novel that follows the story of Jude, a human girl who is taken to the faerie world after her parents are murdered. In the treacherous and ruthless Court of Faerie, Jude must navigate a dangerous game of politics and power, where she becomes entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and deadly intrigue. As she fights for her place in this world, Jude discovers her own strength and resilience, challenging the cruel and twisted nature of the faerie realm.

  20. 20. The Way Of Shadows by Brent Weeks

    The book is a gripping tale set in a gritty world of political intrigue and dark magic, where a street orphan becomes apprenticed to a master assassin. Under his mentor's guidance, the young apprentice learns the lethal skills necessary to survive in a treacherous city where nobles vie for power. As he hones his craft, he is drawn into a web of conspiracy, and must navigate a complex landscape of loyalty, honor, and betrayal. With his newfound abilities, he confronts the shadows of his past and the uncertain promise of his future in a dangerous quest for redemption and power.

  21. 21. The 10,000 Doors Of January by Alix E Harrow

    In this enchanting novel, a young girl named January Scaller discovers a mysterious book that reveals a world of secret doorways leading to other realms, each unique and wondrous. As she delves deeper into its pages, she learns about her own family's connections to these other worlds and their role in guarding these portals. Set against the backdrop of the early 1900s, the story weaves a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the power of words and stories to open doors to new possibilities. January must navigate a complex web of historical societies, hidden powers, and her own identity as she seeks to unlock the truth of her past and shape her destiny.

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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